Inspiring Iceland - 2018

An island of dramatic contrasts, Iceland is a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. Travel the "Golden Circle" where many natural scenic wonders are located. Stay overnight in a local fishing village to enjoy a scenic bay cruise. Create your own adventure with your choice of exciting activities soak in the Blue Lagoon, go on a whale watching cruise, take a lava cave hike, or stroll along coastal lava fields while admiring natural wildlife. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey.

Inclusions

8 breakfasts

8 dinners

Learn about the 400-year-old tradition of catching and preserving Greenland shark.

Set out on a journey full of dramatic contrasts. Come to know Iceland, a place where steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords.

Reykjav k

Begin in the capital city of Reykjav k. Join a local expert for a walking tour of the city's old section featuring Hallgrimskirkja church, city hall, the harbor and Reykjav k's oldest building, home of the Kraum Icelandic design center. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers during a sumptuous Icelandic dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Breakfast Included

Dinner Included

Reykjav k - Golden Circle - Reykjav k

Travel the stunning Golden Circle, a route encompassing many of Iceland's most renowned natural wonders: waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, lava fields and volcanos. Begin at Thingvellir National Park where Icelanders gathered in A.D. 930 and established one of the world's first parliaments. Find yourself standing upon one of the globe's most geologically significant landscapes, Thingvellir's rugged rift valley. This UNESCO site marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Next, marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, a stunning 100-foot double cascade. Stop at the famous thermal area of Geysir to admire the hot spring Strokkur's explosive vertical spout that reaches a height of up to 90 feet. Your day concludes with a visit to Fri heimar greenhouse cultivation center to learn how the locals grow delicious, pesticide-free tomats and cucumbers with the aid of Iceland's geothermal energy; also learn about their family tradition of breeding Icelandic show horses.

Breakfast Included

Sn fellsnes-Cave/Lava Field Tour-Brei afj r ur Cruise-Stykkish lmur

Experience the otherworldliness of the Sn fellsnes Peninsula. Take in the dramatic landscapes of black and white sand beaches, magnificent cliffs, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, soaring waterfalls, rocky coastlines, intimate fishing villages, and its remarkable Sn fellsj kull glacier. This afternoon it's your choice! Select a guided Vatnshellir Cave tour* and descend 100 feet below ground to an 8,000-year-old lava tube where you'll experience total darkness and see amazing rock pigments, lava formations, stalagmites and stalactites. Or, you may choose to walk the lava field and put your camera to work snapping photos of nature's artwork of varying textures, colors and arrangements of this dramatic landscape. Embark on a true Icelandic cultural adventure as you spend time with a family that keeps alive a 400-year-old tradition of catching and preserving Greenland shark. See the fishing boat utilized by their grandfather; the tiny farmer's church; and explore the museum to learn more about Iceland's deep relationship with this trade. Before leaving, taste "h karl," cured shark meat. Your day concludes with a nature cruise in Brei afj r ur Bay. Experience countless birds like puffins**, cormorants, kittiwakes and the majestic white tailed eagle soaring amongst basalt rock columns. While cruising, try delicious fresh scallops and sea urchin r straight from the ocean. Seafood simply dsn t come fresher than this!

Breakfast Included

Dinner Included

Stykkish lmur - Vik

Today continue the adventure traveling Iceland's south coast. Learn about geothermal renewable energy with a visit to Hellishei avirkjun, the largest power station in Iceland and the second largest geothermal power station in the world. Arrive in V k, Iceland's most southerly village and one of the most visited spots in Iceland.

Breakfast Included

Dinner Included

Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall - Skogar Museum - Vik

Drive along the scenic south shore to see the beautiful Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most famous and picturesque waterfalls with a walkway behind it. Visit Sk gar Museum which contains an outstanding collection covering all aspects of Icelandic life including farm and domestic artifacts, as well as turf-built houses. Nearby is the impressive Sk gafoss waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland. Next, view Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach surrounded by basalt columns and cliffs scattered with caves and rich bird life including the fulmar, black guillemot, razorbill, gannet and various types of seagulls. Later, see the unique natural rock formations at Dyrh laey.

Breakfast Included

Dinner Included

V k - J kuls rl n Glacial Lagoon - Skaftafell - V k

Set sail*** among the huge icebergs of the J kuls rl n Glacial Lagoon. Get to taste the 1,000-year-old ice and possibly see some seals. Later, stop at Skaftafell, gateway to Vatnaj kull National Park, the largest national park in Europe. Marvel at the Alpine environment of Iceland's highest mountains and the Vatnaj kull glacier, Europe's largest glacier.

Breakfast Included

Dinner Included

Vik - Lava Exhibition Center - Reykjav k

Before departing the south shore, visit the Lava Exhibition Center, where you'll learn about Iceland's historical eruptions and current lava flows that make the island a showcase of volcanism. Next, it's your choice! Perhaps you'll embark on a drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its rugged landscape, lava fields, and numerous hot springs, including the Blue Lagoon, where you can take a dip in the pleasantly warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool located in the middle of a dramatic lava field -OR- you might prefer to further explore the wonders of Iceland's waters during an exciting whale watching adventure in the bay of Faxafl i; have your camera ready for minke and humpback whale sightings, along with white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises in their natural habitat. Later, gather with your fellow travelers for a local dining experience and share stories of your days in Iceland.